We are playing with house money these next two games. No one expects us to win, if we win just one we will be off the bubble for the fist time since Nam.
It doesn’t bode well for us that Illinois is coming off back to back losses. But, Purdue wiping the floor with Iowa tonight might have their guard down for us (plus I think they are a good match up for us). Sweeping them would be oh so sweet.
DD can do a whole lot with the fanbase and this season if he can win one of these next two. Would be a hell of a statement. Let’s over achieve for once and make me walk back some of the comments I’ve made.
Just make sure not to play Bailey and we should be in good shape 😘😬.
@cavanagh I don't consider any game "house money." As you mentioned, a win against Illinois or Purdue would be massive. Yes, you're correct that competitive losses won't be killers, but what if IU gets hammered in one or both games? That would only give them one more Top 25 opportunity ... and they've only claimed one dub against ranked competition. It doesn't look good going into the MSU game 1-7 vs. T25 with five of those losses being by double-digits.
Right now, I'd say IU is on the right side of the bubble ... but I think the margin for error isn't what some think it is.
@cavanagh I don't consider any game "house money." As you mentioned, a win against Illinois or Purdue would be massive. Yes, you're correct that competitive losses won't be killers, but what if IU gets hammered in one or both games? That would only give them one more Top 25 opportunity ... and they've only claimed one dub against ranked competition. It doesn't look good going into the MSU game 1-7 vs. T25 with five of those losses being by double-digits.
Right now, I'd say IU is on the right side of the bubble ... but I think the margin for error isn't what some think it is.
Historically it's almost impossible to find a Power 4 team that won 20 games, finished at least .500 in conference, has zero quad 3 or 4 losses, and has at least a few wins against tournament teams and missed the tournament. Almost never ever happens.
Cav I'm in the house $ corner with you. A PUke W is more likely than Illinois. But because Hoosiers have the ability to rain 3"s I hold the possibility, entirely possible. Their 2 players back may not perform consistently and particularly in the 2nd half of a physical challenging contest. But PUke I believe 1000% you pressure Smith and they under achieve. Next 2 games are big, Big!
My apologies for mentioning the possibility of a missed NCAAT. I shouldn't have offered realistic scenarios in which 10-10 isn't a guarantee.
No apologies needed, anytime the objectivity is left to the Committee... there's a chance to be left out. It may be likely we get in or odds may be in our favor but it's no guarantee. Same thing with our Net.. if some darlings start on a roll this next month they may fall in love with and there go some bids. I'd prefer we take care of business and leave no doubt. 11-9 is that much more of an edge that I think they couldn't leave us out given who the wins would now be against. That Wisconsin is now larger. We'd have to beat PU, MSU or Illinois to get there so one more impressive win to the tally
